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Bodegas Burgo Viejo Popular

Six families of farmers founded Bodegas Burgo Viejo in 1987 (with the next generation coming on-board, it is now sixteen families working together). Burgo Viejo´s main asset has always been the exquisite wine-making process of grapes collected from its own vineyards throughout the years, back to the times when they were just a wine cellar selling in bulk (they started as a cooperative in the 1950's).

Burgo Viejo wines are exported to Japan, China, Denmark, UK, Belgium and the U.S. (export markets represent 5-10% of the production). Young Gorka Etxebarria is the leading winemaker and has been working with Burgo Viejo since December 2003.

Winery/Vineyards

The vineyards measure 200 hectares – 494 acres – (90% tinto, 5% rosado, 5% blanco) and spread throughout the municipality of Alfaro, La Rioja, Spain at the foothills of Yerga Mountain, on the banks of the fertile Ebro Valley. This area offers a huge diversity of soils and microclimates where the grape varietals, Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Garnacha, Carignan, Graciano and Viura grow to become Burgo Viejo wines. Most of the vines are 30 years old. Some Garnacha are over 90 years old and some young organic Graciano have been planted. The types of oak used are 90% American and 10% French.

Reviews

Bodega Burgo Viejo - Golden League Top Producer 2016

The Golden League is the premier class of wine producers. The one to win this highlight of the DWM competition undoubtedly ranks among the world's most successful wine producers. For you, this means: With a Golden League winner, you hold the unofficial world cup of the wine industry in your hands – and are guaranteed to enjoy outstanding wines.

2014 Palacio del Burgo Rioja Crianza - 93 PTS - DECANTER

2014 Palacio del Burgo Rioja Crianza - 90 PTS - VINOUS

"(fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for a year in new and used American oak barrels) Saturated ruby. Ripe dark berries, vanilla, baking spices and pungent flowers on the deeply perfumed nose. Plush, oak-accented blackberry and cassis flavors are joined by a mocha element that builds as the wine opens with air. The spicy note repeats on the long, subtly tannic finish, which leaves a bitter cherry note behind. - Josh Raynolds"- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (May 2017), 90 pts

2013 Palacio del Burgo Rioja Crianza - 90 PTS + BEST BUY - WE

"Charred, earthy black-fruit aromas are smoky and power-packed. This feels full yet balanced, with freshness and strong tannins. Ripe berry, prune and oak-spice flavors finish with a note of vanilla and length. For a Crianza from a tough vintage, this is commendable."- Wine Enthusiast (August 2016), 90 pts + BEST BUY

2012 Palacio del Burgo Rioja Crianza - 90 PTS - VINOUS

"Vivid ruby. Deeply pitched scents of candied dark berries, cherry-vanilla and woodsmoke, with a suave floral note building in the glass. Supple, sweet and expansive, offering broad blackberry and violet pastille flavors and a late touch of coconut. Fine-grained tannins come in late on a long, spice-tinged finish that echoes the vanilla and smoke notes. This wine was raised entirely in American oak. - Josh Raynolds"- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2015), 90 pts

2011 Palacio del Burgo Rioja Crianza - 90 PTS - IWC

"(90% tempranillo and 10% graciano): Inky ruby. Musky cherry and underbrush aromas are complemented by notes of cedar, tobacco and vanilla. Juicy and light on its feet, offering lively redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors that gain depth and take on a smoky nuance with air. Closes bright and long, with building spiciness and smooth, slow-building tannins. Shows the 90% American oak that's used at this estate; a classic Rioja at a great price. - Josh Raynolds"- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Sep/Oct 13), 90 pts

2011 Palacio del Burgo Rioja Crianza - 89 PTS - WA

"These are custom cuvées made specifically for importer Fran Kysela. Palacio del Burgo is a large estate, even for Rioja, with over 494 acres of vines. All three of these inexpensive offerings are impressive and merit serious interest from thrifty consumers. The 2011 Crianza (90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano) spends 12 months in American oak barrels. It reveals notes of vanilla, new saddle leather and sweet black cherries in a medium-bodied, elegant as well as complex and concentrated style. A more classic Rioja than the 2013 Tinto, it should drink well for 2-3 years. - Robert Parker"- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (November 2014), 89 pts